Edward Buchanan Opens New Creative Hub in Milan
A new space called The Situation will host exhibitions and residencies and provide resources to Black, queer and other under-represented creatives.
footwear
Marketing
Nike Ranks as Most Valuable Apparel Brand While Fila Is the Fastest-Growing
The American sportswear giant nabbed the title for the seventh consecutive year, and ranked far ahead of the next highest valued brand, Gucci,
Retail
Allbirds Takes Steps Toward IPO
The footwear start-up, which has a $1.7 billion valuation, is hiring an employee to prep financial documents and filings required at public companies.
China
The World’s Third Largest Sportswear Company May Surprise You
In sportswear, only Nike and Adidas have a higher market cap than Chinese giant Anta. Having surpassed other international rivals in China, the ambitious group now aims to go global.
Workplace & Talent
Hunter Appoints New CEO
Paolo Porta has transitioned to a permanent CEO role at the British outdoor lifestyle and shoe retailer after serving as interim chief executive officer since June 2020.
Workplace & Talent
Clarks Replaces CEO After LionRock Acquisition
Victor Herrero will take the helm of the British shoe retailer, after Hong Kong-based investment firm LionRock Capital completed its £100 million ($139 million) purchase of the company Monday.
News & Analysis
Birkenstock Gets Reported €4 Billion Valuation in L Catterton Deal
The LVMH-backed private equity firm has taken a majority stake in the German footwear company. Financière Agache, the family office of LVMH Chairman Bernard Arnault, will also invest.
Workplace & Talent
Allbirds Names Glossier, e.l.f. Execs to Board
The sustainability-focued maker of normcore flats and sneakers is seeking insights from the direct-to-consumer beauty space.
Luxury
How Birkenstock Became a Luxury Target
L Catterton is reportedly the frontrunner to acquire the original anti-fashion shoe brand, which is reaping the rewards of shoppers’ pandemic-driven desire for casual comfort.
Workplace & Talent
Aldo Group: In the Company of Kindness
On a trip to the Canadian city of Montréal, Aldo Bensadoun found himself fascinated by the city and its progressive, free spirited culture. The
Luxury
LVMH and Nicholas Kirkwood to Part Ways
The split is due to be completed by the end of the year, LVMH said in a statement.
Sustainability
Adidas and Allbirds Join Forces to Try to Create the World’s Lowest Carbon Footprint Sports Shoe
The footwear competitors are partnering with a big goal and deadline of one year.
Luxury
The BoF Podcast: How Christian Louboutin Turned Red Soles Into a Status Symbol
Just as he unveils his L'Exhibition[niste] showcase in Paris this week, the luxury footwear designer speaks with BoF’s Editor-in-Chief Imran Amed about transforming his namesake brand from a single-store enterprise into a global success.
The News in Brief
L’Oréal Joins Forces With Nykaa to Invest in Indian Beauty Brands
BOLD, the French conglomerate’s venture capital fund, will collaborate with retailer Nykaa to invest in the next generation of Indian beauty brands.
Private Equity Firm Inflexion Invests in Manucurist
The European investor, which previously backed Medik8, has taken a 49 percent stake in the premium French nail line.
H&M Profit Rises on Tariff Refunds as Sales Remain Sluggish
US tariff refunds drove an increase operating profit, even as the fast-fashion retailer has struggled to deliver consistent sales growth.
Arnault Clan to Change LVMH Holding Structure to Ensure Control
Under the plan, the world’s biggest luxury group will be controlled by one entity, Agache SCA, after Christian Dior SE, one of the current holding companies of LVMH, is delisted.
JD Sports Says Nike Turnaround Is Only a Matter of Time
Dominic Platt, chief financial officer of the British sportswear retailer, told Reuters, ‘Much as there's a lot of talk about Nike, it's still the most popular brand out there and it's still a very strong brand.’
Chanel Plans to Keep Investing in China Despite Demand Downturn
CEO Leena Nair pointed to the brand’s recent renovation of its Plaza 66 boutique in Shanghai, calling China ‘a market where the clients understand sophistication, refinement.’
Meta Expected to Unveil Smart Glasses Without Camera
Smart glasses have become a target of criticism in recent months amid growing concerns they can be used to record people without their consent.